Signatures
This is the list of people who have signed the pledge or petition to date.
Shawn Grosvenor | Prattville, AL
The people and events of this era must be taught in order for people as students and citizens to make sense of the events of the 20th and early 21st century. Too often, American History courses gloss over this. Between the civil war and the industrial revolution.Reconstruction was a time then our nation came ever so close to realizing the dream of freedom and justice for all first established at the nation's founding. The same fears held by those who opposed Reconstruction and the tactics they employed to suppress efforts to share wealth and land ownership as well as the right to vote are still being practiced today.
Michael Koscielniak | Hazel Park, MI
I am a professor at Eastern Michigan University and I teach several classes that include substantial engagement with Reconstruction. I have found most of my students arrive to class with virtually zero understanding of Reconstruction and how its defeat set the stage for the 20th century.
Colter White | Osceola, WI
I teach in a rural Wisconsin community that is lacking in representation and understanding in the struggles of African Americans in this country. We are 45 minutes from Minneapolis and to the community, it is seen as a dangerous, gang-filled area solely because of the black population. I am doing my best to educate them on the origins and longevity of these issues, but it can not be taught thoroughly enough.
Cheryl Brown , WV
I am 68 years old and just learning many of the details of Reconstruction. Why wasn't I taught this in school??? It is a travesty that this important part of our history was covered up and not part of our education.
Carol W , PA
Jennifer Ruth | Portland, OR
Katherine Fritz | Ammon, ID
Ciara Koepke | Springfield, IL
Stacey Zaretzky-Symanowicz | Huntington, VT
We all deserve to have access to the truth.
Matthew Honeycutt | Brush Prairie, WA
We are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past if we fail to learn ALL our history.
Dena Harris | Olympia, WA
Teaching the truth is a necessary step towards healing the ailments of society we so desperately need.
Michael Peña | Edmonds, WA
Elizabeth Polvere | Haverhill, MA
I care!
May Kotsen | Princeton, NJ
Amir Nayebkhil | Mansfield, TX
Barbara Batson | Richmond, VA
My immediate family has been affected by racism. Teach Truth!!
Clara Burns | San Antonio, TX
Tiana Doht | Windsor, CA
We need to be teaching children stories that show us how to move forward in intersectional solidarity toward equity and collective wellbeing. The Reconstruction period is full of inspirational examples we can draw from in our present-day manifestation of structural racism. More Reconstruction in classrooms!
Alexandra Zinnes | Atlanta, GA
Daisha Fox | Evanston, IL
Ian Wilder | Riverhead, NY
Colette Tippy | New Orleans, LA
I did not learn about the history of reconstruction until I was an adult.
Amanda Kortokrax | Galloway, OH
Alan Singer | Hempstead, NY
It is long past time to teach the truth about United States history.
Kate Monkovic | New York, NY
To: School BoardsFrom: Kate MonkovicIn this pivotal moment for the United States, we the undersigned call on education leaders to ensure students have the knowledge to be active participants in a multiracial democracy. To honor our history and the urgency of the present moment, we urge you to adopt resolutions committing to teaching the grassroots history of Reconstruction.It has never been more important for adults and students alike to participate in learning the lessons of the Reconstruction era so that we can apply them to the challenges we face today.Accordingly, we urge you to examine how much time is currently dedicated to teaching the Reconstruction Era in kindergarten through 12th grade, make a plan to increase it, and ensure that teaching materials and curricula in schools reflect the everyday people who powered these movements.
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